KUCHING: Sarawak has ensured that the Sungai Sarawak Barrage and 20 telemetry stations in Batu Kawa and the Satok Bridge are operating to mitigate any possible floods striking the state capital during the current wet weather season.
Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin said the barrage comprises three components namely a five-unit barrage gate, one-unit ship lock with two gates and a flyover bridge.
He said real-time data of rainfall and water level in the upper, middle and lower catchments of Sungai Sarawak are transmitted every 30 minutes to the control room to ensure the barrage could operate effectively to manage floods.
"Besides, there are 20 operating telemetry stations along Sungai Sarawak Kiri and Sungai Sarawak Kanan, which will provide information to the barrage operation such as the amount of reservoir needed to be created by releasing excess water out to the sea.
"The telemetry stations located in Batu Kawa and Satok Bridge are also equipped with sirens to warn villagers living within the vicinity to move to higher ground in case of possible storm surges, floods," he said after visiting the Sungai Sarawak Barrage here today.
Lee said his visit was to ensure flood mitigation assets are working well.
He said Kuching is fed by two rivers – Sungai Sarawak Kiri and Sungai Sarawak Kanan – receiving an enormous amount of water in a short time, especially during the northeast monsoon season.
Lee said this, when coupled with high tide or King tide, could cause low lying areas of the state capital to be inundated.
Therefore, he said, the barrage plays an important role.
The Sarawak Rivers Board, said Lee, has also sent their team to all villages where the telemetry stations are sited to inform residents to be on alert and ready to move to higher ground in the event they hear the siren.
"We have also advised villagers to cooperate with the relevant authorities and to take care of telemetry stations within their respective areas," he added.
Lee said the Sarawak Rivers Board flood operation room has been opened in case flooding occurs and any assistance is needed, including mobilisation of assets.
With the unfavourable weather forecast in Sarawak for the next few days issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department, he said, those living in the low-lying areas should be more vigilant and follow advice and instructions from the authorities, including the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee.
